Ferran: “Bring joy to the Parisians”
Men's football•
Paris Saint-Germain’s new forward speaks for the first time in the Rouge et Bleu. He discusses his arrival and his ambitions with PSG.
In this article
Ferran, welcome to Paris. How do you feel today, as you’re about to become a Paris Saint-Germain player?
“I’m really happy and very excited to be joining this project. It’s a very ambitious project, and I want to do my bit to help make it a success, with great humility. I’d also like to thank President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Luis Campos and Luis Enrique for the trust they’ve placed in me. I’m really looking forward to making my debut alongside my new team-mates.”
You came back just a few weeks ago, after winning the World Cup. Have you had time yet to take stock of everything that’s happened?
“It’s true that since we won the World Cup, everything has happened very quickly. We’ve had virtually no holiday to let it all sink in. But in the world of football, things move very quickly and we already need to focus on the new season. As I said, I’m joining an ambitious team and I need to rise to the challenge, help my team-mates as much as possible and also try to bring a lot of joy to these wonderful supporters.”
You were the only goalscorer in that final. Did that goal change the way you see yourself, or your perception of what you’re capable of in big matches?
“Deep down, we players always love playing in big matches. But whatever happens, you’ve got to be yourself. I don’t think a goal can change your life, but it’s true that it was a very special moment and that it’s probably one of the best days of my life.”
In Paris, you’ll be reunited with Luis Enrique, whom you know very well from the Spanish national team. What’s your relationship with him like?
“I’ve always said it: for me, Luis Enrique has been like a father figure in the world of football. When I had the chance to train with him at international level, he always placed a lot of confidence in me. Today, having the chance to train under his guidance again makes me feel really excited and keen to get started on this project.”
What does Luis Enrique know about your game that few other coaches know about?
“I think he’s a coach who knows exactly how to guide a player, understand them and give them confidence, even when the player themselves doesn’t necessarily believe in themselves. He knows how to push you to give your very best. That’s a really positive thing and, above all, he knows how to bring out your full potential.”
You’re a versatile player, capable of playing both on the wings and through the middle. How would you describe the player you are today?
“I’d say I’m a hard-working player who likes to run for my team-mates. At the end of the day, when you run for them, they repay you. And as football is a team sport, I like to give my all for the team. If I can contribute with goals and assists, even better.”
Is that what you’d like to bring to this team?
“Yes. It’s a well-established team with some excellent players, and I’m here to learn from them too. They’re players who have consistently demonstrated their talent and ability. I hope to score lots of goals and provide assists.”
And what sort of person are you off the pitch? What will the Parisian fans discover?
“I’m a happy person who likes to crack jokes, and I’m very close to people. I really hope the fans will get to know that side of Ferran and that I can bring them a lot of joy.”
What are your ambitions at PSG?
“To win every possible title again, to bring joy to the people of Paris, to score lots of goals, to provide plenty of assists and, above all, to keep on winning.”
